
via Imago
Apr 18, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) with forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

via Imago
Apr 18, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) with forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Blockbuster doesn’t even begin to cover it. One of the biggest moves in NBA history just sent shockwaves through the Valley. Kevin Durant? Gone—shipped out thanks to the Rockets dropping a nuke on Phoenix’s plans. And honestly, can you blame him for outing? The KD‑Booker‑Beal trio was supposed to light up the league. Instead, it barely sparked. But here’s the thing: that’s the story the media loves to tell. For Durant? It’s deeper. He’s grateful for the chapter, even if it didn’t end in bling. And sometimes, gratitude is the only headline that really counts.
It’s just sucks that the jewelry department in Phoenix was a tad bit lacking. But the memories and milestones were through the roof. People need to talk about the KD show we all got courtside seats to. The man literally dunked himself into the 30,000-point club last season. That VIP list’s only got eight names. It was just about time for Durant to follow suit. Hall of Famer – checked too. So why not end with a third ring to the collection too?
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way,” said Durant on X. “Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the quick interactions with everybody from support staff to teammates distant cousins, it’s all a family that I’m grateful to be apart of, no matter what. I truly believe this nba is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait.”
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My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remeber it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players. I appreciate all the…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) July 6, 2025
But it took some history to get the Suns on the right side of history again. THAT blockbuster trade that saw 7 teams involved for the first time sent some hope back home in the Valley. The Suns ended up with Houston’s Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, 10th overall pick Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Koby Brea, Daeqwon Plowden, and a second rounder. Green and Maluach are gonna be a treat to watch. On top of that, Beal’s got the infamous deal, so he’s still in. But what about Devin Booker?
Devin Booker’s deal lined up well with Kevin Durant’s exit
Seems like the captain’s signed a fresh and ridiculous 2 year, $150 million extension with Phoenix. It’s as if being the leader and a legend of the franchise wasn’t enough already. Now that the kid’s in his prime, it’s upto sculpt this beautiful blend of curry flavoured veteran experience and some spicy youth. New boss Jordan Ott has a massive job on his hands. No pressure, though.
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What’s your perspective on:
Did the KD-Booker-Beal trio ever stand a chance, or was it doomed from the start?
Have an interesting take?
Devin‘s locked in his next four years, the first two of which are a part of his existing 4 year, $220 million deal. But being the org’s highest scorer ever in just a decade doesn’t come cheap. So the Michigan-born and Kentucky-bred took it upon himself to put a price on the magic that got him four All-Stars and two-time All-NBA nods. Their team now was forgettable. But there was a lot more of a personal angle in the whole ordeal.
KD and Book? That’s a real bromance brewed in midrange magic. From the jump, their chemistry was smoother than a KD pull-up. They respected each other’s games long before they were teammates—Book admired KD’s killer instinct, and KD saw Book as a younger version of himself. On the court, they clicked like old friends at a pickup game, reading each other’s moves without a word. Off it? Plenty of laughs, mutual respect, and shared late-night grind sessions. The Phoenix chapter might be closed, but don’t think for a second that their bond’s going anywhere. That one’s built to last.

USA Today via Reuters
Nov 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) look on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Booker’s a lone ranger now that Kevin Durant‘s off to Houston. It’s for the better – no matter when it sits in. Watching their on court fraternality flourish especially during tough times can only be cherished now. But this is where the real fun begins. A fresh start for both, two cowboys in the Wild West. You know what that means? Grab your popcorn.
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"Did the KD-Booker-Beal trio ever stand a chance, or was it doomed from the start?"